Alley’s kind of crazy always had a way of making me feel better. Fat tears rolled down my face and I held my stomach, unable to stop laughing. Within seconds all the ladies were laughing along with me.
“I might just take you up on that,” I said, smiling at Alley once I got myself under control.
“Any time, girlfriend,” she replied. “But you should listen to our smart girl here”—she pointed at Jurnee,—“and really let Bodie or one of the other guys know.”
At the mention of Bodie’s name, I sucked in an audible breath that everyone at the table heard. Now all eyes were on me for a completely different reason. I knew they were like dogs and wouldn’t let up until I threw them a bone.
“I kissed Bodie,” I blurted out.
Jaws dropped, smiles lit up faces, and there was even some giddy hand clapping. I felt like a bug under a microscope as they all watched me closely, impatiently waiting for me to add more.
Where the hell is our waitress?
“And…” Teal said, drawing out the word as she motioned with her hand for me to continue.
When our server still hadn’t shown up, I sighed and reigned defeat. It was time to toss the bone. I didn’t leave anything out and told all the ladies the whole story about that night, as well as how I’d been hiding from him all week.
They ate up every word and I had their undivided attention until the server finally showed up. Once we placed our orders Brinley asked if that was it or if I’d been leaving anything out. The text that Bodie had sent me flashed through my mind.
I don’t know why you left but we will finish what we started,it had said.You matter to me Gemma and I can’t just walk away from that.
Goosebumps broke out over my skin when I thought about it and all the ladies' eyes zeroed in on me once more.
They missednothing.
“Spill the rest, girl, I can see there is something good that you left out,” Ruby said.
All the ladies had made it to lunch that day except for Patience who was working. It was cool except for the fact I had a big audience. They were all looking at me expectantly so I finished the story and told them about the text.
“Oh my God, he is totally into you,” Summer squealed. “This is so cool.”
Everyone seemed to agree but Jurnee looked concerned. I hated making her worry about me which is one reason I’d kept stuff to myself in the past. Besides, I was used to handling things on my own.
“What is that look for?” I asked looking in her direction and all the other ladies turned to look at Jurnee too.
She visibly bit the inside of her cheek before answering me. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. I mean, he’s fifteen years older than you, a widower, and has twin girls.” When I started to talk to tell her I had thought of all that and that was why I’d concluded nothing more could happen, she kept speaking. “You haven’t even been with a man yet so your lives are in very different places.”
It was no secret that I was a virgin but I hadn’t expected her to bring it up right then and my eyes widened in shock. At least she’d said it quietly so nobody else in the restaurant could hear.
Before I could respond, the waitress arrived next to our table to deliver our meals. Once everyone had their plates, I looked at Jurnee. I wasn’t upset at her at all. She meant well and always had. She’d been watching out for me since the day I came to live in the same foster home as her at six years old.
“I’m aware of all that and that is why I already determined nothing can happen.” I was saying the words that needed to be said and going along with how it had to be between us, but my heart sank at the notion.
Since she was beside me, Jurnee grabbed one of my hands and squeezed. “I’m not telling you to not explore what is happening, Gemma. I’m just saying be careful.” With one last squeeze, she released me.
Alley jumped in then. “If Bodie is anything like the rest of our men and I’m pretty sure he is, judging by that text, I’d say he isn’t going to give up so easily. You guys are playing a game of hide-and-seek.” She giggled at herself. “He let you hide but that man is going to find you, mark my words.”
Capri had been fairly quiet throughout the conversation, which wasn’t unusual for her. She always seemed to observe more than give input so I was surprised when she chimed in. “I have a feeling that you are exactly what Bodie and those girls need.” She gave me a soft, wistful smile and I wondered not for the first time what her story was. One day soon, I was sure we’d all find out.
I may have said nothing can happen with the sexy-as-sin father of two, but I couldn’t help the flutter that Capri’s words set off in my tummy.
“Let it play out and see what happens,” Teal added.
Could I do that?
“If that kiss and your wandering hand got you hot and bothered, just think what Bodie having his way with you would do,” Alley said, wiggling her brows.
My face grew warm and my pulse picked up.
